Mohamed Salah's second Premier League title with Liverpool could bring back memories of his first triumph in 2020, which was immediately followed by the departure of a close friend
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14:11, 25 May 2025
Salah and Lovren
Mohamed Salah paid tribute to departing peer Dejan Lovren during Liverpool's 2020 title win
(Image: Getty Images)
Mohamed Salah's second Premier League title win with Liverpool is one for the books, although his previous trophy celebration in 2020 was tinged with sadness due to the immediate exit of a close peer. The Reds have stormed to a top-flight title triumph in Arne Slot's debut season, largely thanks to the Egyptian star's impressive tally of 28 league goals and 18 assists.
The title was clinched last month following a 5-1 victory over Tottenham, and the trophy will finally be hoisted at Anfield on the final day of the campaign. Salah has tasted such glory before, when Liverpool won their 19th league title in 2020 under Jurgen Klopp's guidance.
However, the 32-year-old's sadness at the departure of close friend Dejan Lovren from Merseyside just a day after their league success five years ago could resurface following the match against Crystal Palace.
Croatian defender Lovren moved from Southampton to Liverpool in 2014, and despite being prone to errors during his time at Anfield, he became the first Croatian to lift the Premier League trophy in 2020.
Yet, just a day after this title-winning achievement, Lovren was shown the door, much to the disappointment of empathetic forward Salah, who had formed a close bond with the centre-back during their three years together.
"I don't know how to say, my friend. I don't know my feeling right now, but we are going to miss you. Especially me," said the Egyptian in 2020 after Lovren's swift transfer to Zenit Saint Petersburg was confirmed.
"You have been an unbelievable player and great friend to me. We are going to miss you a lot. I miss you a lot. I love you so much, and you have been fantastic on and off the pitch.
"Thank you for everything you have done for the club, and everything you did for me. I wish you all the best for the future and wish you have a great career as well and enjoy the new club with your family. Thank you very much and see you soon."
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - JULY 22: Dejan Lovren and Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrate with The Premier League trophy following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield on July 22, 2020 in Liverpool, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Ellis/Pool via Getty Images)
Salah was sad to see Lovren depart(Image: Getty Images)
The 35-year-old, who returned to Lyon after a stint in Russia and now plays for PAOK, was not the only thing putting a downer on the last title celebrations, since the pandemic dampened the usual fanfare.
Reflecting on the recent victory at Anfield, Salah told Sky Sports: "This is way better, 100 per cent," acknowledging the difference fans make. "Without Sadio [Mane], without Jurgen, without Bobby [Firmino] and everybody.
"It's more special with the fans. You have a different group now, a different manager, and it shows that you are able to do it again. That's something special."
Discussing his performance under the new management, Salah added: "You can see the numbers. Now I don't have to defend much. The tactics are quite different. I said, 'As long as you rest me defensively, I will provide offensively.' So I am glad that I did.
"He listened a lot, and you can see the numbers. When you play in the Premier League, you have to defend, but I said that I can gamble, and somehow I can make a difference. My number of assists shows that you can create chances as well."
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